Resolution on the future of the LGBTI list of actions (2019-2024)

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the future of the LGBTI List of Actions (2019-2024).

The resolution was tabled by the EPP, S&D, ALDE, GUE/NGL and Greens/EFA groups.

Parliament began by reiterating the recommendations of its resolution of 4 February 2014 on the EU Roadmap against homophobia and discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity.

It noted that a backlash against gender equality, impacting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people directly, has been observed in the EU in recent years, and it called on the Commission to make a commitment to tackle this backlash, to make equality and non-discrimination a priority field, and to ensure that this commitment is taken up in the work of the next Commission which will take office later in 2019. LGBTI rights must be given priority in the Commission’s work programme for 2019-2024.

Parliament noted that although the guidelines adopted by the European Council to promote and protect the enjoyment of all human rights by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) persons have been binding for the EU and its Member States in their external action since 2013, the EU’s lack of an internal complementing commitment poses a threat to internal and external cohesion.

Members added that the Commission’s reports on the implementation of the List of Actions (published by the Commission in 2015) to advance LGBTI equality show that significant steps have been taken, but much remains to be done to ensure equality for all citizens in the EU, including LGBTI citizens.

Accordingly, Parliament called on the Commission, inter alia, to:

- adopt another strategic document to foster equality for LGBTI people, and involve Parliament and civil society organisations in the design of its future LGBTI List of Actions;

- monitor and enforce the implementation of anti-discrimination legislation and measures to ensure the rights of LGBTI people in all areas;

- continue work on the topics already included in the LGBTI List of Actions;

- continue awareness-raising and public communication campaigns concerning LGBTI people and their families;

- support the Member States in their implementation of high-quality, comprehensive sexuality and relationship education programmes that provide information and education on sexual and reproductive health and rights in a way that is non-judgemental, framed positively and inclusive of LGBTI people;

- take concrete measures to ensure freedom of movement for all families, including LGBTI families, in line with the recent Coman case at the CJEU;

- incorporate an intersectional perspective into its future work on LGBTI rights, to take into consideration intersecting experiences of discrimination encountered by marginalised LGBTI people and to develop measures to address their specific needs, including by making funding available for specific support networks of marginalised LGBTI groups;

- continue working with Member States with a view to the implementation of its future actions on LGBTI rights.

Lastly, Parliament noted that 8 Member States require sterilisation and 18 Member States require a mental health diagnosis in order to access legal gender recognition, and it called on the Commission to assess whether such requirements are in line with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.